Doctrinal Statement

God calls the church “The pillar and foundation of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15). That truth can be summarized into categories known as doctrines. One of the highest callings of the church is to be sure to preach and teach sound doctrine. Our hope is that in the end we will be found faithful in teaching God’s people the eternal truths of the word of God. First Baptist Church’s doctrinal statement has been organized into categories to assist you in understanding what we believe and teach through our various ministries.

1. We believe that the Bible is the Word of God consisting of the sixty-six (66) books of both the Old and New Testaments. We believe it is verbally inspired and inerrant in the original writings and that they are the supreme and final authority in all of life. (Mt. 5:18; 2 Ti. 3:16; 2Pe. 1:20-21)

2. We believe there is only one Living and True God eternally existing in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; though different in function, they are same in substance and equal in power and glory. (Gen. 1:26,27; De. 6:4; Mk. 12:29; 2 Co. 13:14; He. 1:3)

3. We believe Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, and is true God and true man, and as such He lived a perfect and sinless life. (Lk. 1:30-35; Jn.1:1-14; 10:30; 2Co.5:21; Ph.2:5-8;He.1:1-3; 4:15)

4. We believe that man was created in the image of God, that man sinned and thereby incurred not only physical death but also that spiritual death which is separation from God. We believe that all human beings are born in sin and thereby at enmity with God. (Ge. 1:26,27; Ps. 14:1-3; 51:5; Ro. 3:22,23; 5:12-19; Eph. 2:1-3,12)

5. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures as a substitutionary sacrifice; and that all who believe in Him are justified on the ground of His shed blood and righteousness. (Is. 53; In. 3:16; Ro. 3:24-30; 5:9-10; 2Cor. 5:21; Eph. 1:7; 1Pet. 1:18-19)

6. We believe in the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ and His ascension into Heaven. We believe He presently ministers as High Priest, Advocate, and Mediator to those who trust in the redemptive work of His cross. (Ro. 8:34; 1 Ti. 2:5; He. 4:14-16; 7:25; 9:24; 1Pe. 1:3; 1Jn. 2:1,2)

7. We believe in the personal, physical, imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ to set up His kingdom upon the earth, to reign in righteousness and justice. (Zech. 14:4-11; Ac. 1:11;Rev.19:11; 20:1-6)

8. We believe that salvation is by grace through faith alone, and that all who receive by faith the Lord Jesus Christ are born again of the Holy Spirit and thereby become children of God. We believe that repentance and obedience are outward signs of genuine saving faith. (Jn. 1:12; 3:3,5; 14:17,26; 17:3; 20:30-31; Romans 5;1 Eph. 2:1-10; 2Co. 3:6)

9. We believe there are two ordinances, Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, which are divinely enjoined upon all Christians. Without merit in themselves, they serve an expression of faith regarding the believer’s identification and fellowship with Christ and His church. (Mt. 28:19,20; Lu. 22:19,20; Acts 2:41,42; 8:36-38; 18:8; 1Co. 11:23-26)

10. We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust, the everlasting blessedness of the saved, and the everlasting conscious punishment of the lost. (Mt. 25:46; Jn. 5:28,29; 11:25,26; Rev. 20:5,6,12,13)